Hundreds of people face risk of losing homes in Hartlepool

Hundreds of people face the risk of losing their homes as Hartlepool is found to be a regional hotspot, a campaigning charity has revealed.

Alarming new figures from housing charity Shelter have revealed Hartlepool averages one in every 114 householders under threat of eviction or repossession – the third highest in the North East.

These staggering figures show just how many people are fighting to keep their families in their homes

Alison Mohammed

South Tyneside topped the hotspot list in the region, followed by Newcastle in second and Middlesbrough in fourth. County Durham was seventh, with one in 149 under threat.

The charity says there were a total of 354 possession claims issued in county court in Hartlepool between April last year and March this year.

Alison Mohammed, Shelter’s director of services, said: “These staggering figures show just how many people are fighting to keep their families in their homes, after dealing with the double blow of welfare cuts and a drastic shortage of affordable housing.

“We’re doing everything we can to give advice and support to anyone who faces losing the roof over their heads, but the Government must also play its part by putting a stop to further cuts to the safety net which helps ordinary families stay in their homes.”

Hartlepool Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB), in the town’s Park Road, can help people facing financial trouble and at risk of losing their hiomes.

Joe Michna, who runs CAB, said previously: “The golden rule here is to ask for help quickly.”

CAB can be contacted on (01429) 268242, or for free advice from Shelter call their helpline on 0808 8004444.